DIY - Double Layer Drawer Organization

Maximize Your Kitchen Storage

If you have a small kitchen, you know that every inch of real estate counts. For years, organizing my kitchen drawers has stayed firmly at the top of my to-do list. The biggest hurdle? A total lack of space for all those essential kitchen gadgets.

I'm thrilled to share that I finally found a game-changing solution: Double-layer drawers. By utilizing the wasted vertical space inside the drawer, I've effectively doubled my storage capacity. Here is how I turned my messiest drawers into an organized dream.

The Struggle with Wasted Kitchen Space

Over the years, I've tried every trick in the book to bring order to the chaos. I've used plate racks, installed tray dividers, and added counter storage. But despite those efforts, my drawers remained a disaster zone. Not only were they messy, but there was so much wasted vertical space that just wasn't being used.

The "tipping point" happened last December. We had visitors over, and watching them hunt for a serving spoon in my "everything drawer" was the wake-up call I needed. You know the drawer I'm talking about—the one where spatulas, whisks, and random gadgets go to disappear. We all have one, but mine had officially reached its limit!

*This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Starting the Transformation: The Kitchen Island

A few days ago, I decided enough was enough. I committed to organizing my kitchen one drawer at a time, starting with the biggest culprit: the large kitchen island drawer.

To give you some context, this drawer has been a headache for a while. Looking back at photos from two years ago (before the island was even painted!), you can see my previous attempt at organization HERE.

Why Standard Dividers Weren't Working

In the past, I relied on basic plastic dividers. While they provided a little bit of structure, they were far from perfect:

• Wasted Gaps: They didn't fit the dimensions of the drawer perfectly, leaving awkward "dead zones."

• Shallow Storage: They only used the bottom two inches of the drawer, leaving the top half completely empty.

• Visual Clutter: Because things were piled on top of each other, it always looked messy, no matter how much I "tidied" it.

By switching to a DIY double-layer system, I'm finally able to give every gadget a home without the clutter.

My inspiration for this project came from my blogging friend Debbie. A few days ago, I noticed that the fabulous Ana White also tackled this project.

This is how it went for me →

Materials and tools:

• Drawer slide
• ½" x 2" x 4' S4S Poplar Boards
• Wood  Glue
• Nailer with 1" brad nails
• Measuring tape
• ¼" Plywood (bottom of drawer)
• Sanding block
• Jig Saw
• Drill or Screwdriver

NOTE:  The dimensions of the inside of the large drawer are: 16" x 20-5/8" x 3½"

              The smaller drawer was built at: 14-15/16" x 20" x 1¾"

How to Build Your DIY Double-Layer Drawer

Ready to reclaim your space? Here is the step-by-step process I used to turn one messy drawer into a high-capacity storage solution.

Step 1: Layout and Prep

The first step was to empty the drawer completely. I spent some time "playing" with the silverware layout to find the most efficient configuration. Once I was happy with the arrangement, I measured and cut my ½" poplar boards for the dividers.

Pro Tip: Make small pencil marks inside the drawer before taking the wooden pieces out to ensure everything aligns perfectly during assembly.

Step 2: Assemble the Base Divider

To secure the dividers, I used a combination of wood glue and three 1" brad nails per joint. This provided a rock-solid structure. 

18-Volt ONE+ AirStrike 18-Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer

I added that black-computer-outline for you to better visualize it inside the drawer. Perfect fit.

A cross-wooden piece on the left serves as a removable divider; it prevents the entire unit from shifting sideways while allowing me to take the whole thing out for easy cleaning.

Step 3: Tackle the Wasted Vertical Space

Even with the new dividers, I still had about 2 inches of wasted space at the top of the drawer. To fix this, I built a second, shallower sliding tray.

• Materials: ½" poplar for the sides and a ¼" plywood bottom.

• Dimensions: 14-15/16" X 20" X 1-3/4"

• The Math: I made sure to leave a 1-1/16" slide space so the top tray would move smoothly.

To assemble the tray, I traced the divider outline onto the bottom of the plywood so I knew exactly where to drive my nails. 

I applied a line of glue, flipped it over, and used ¾ "brad nails to secure the bottom.

Step 4: Sanding and Finishing

Before installation, I sanded down all the sharp edges to prevent splinters. To protect the wood from kitchen grime and moisture, I applied a few coats of clear polyurethane.

Step 5: Modifying the Main Drawer

This is the "secret sauce" of the project! 

To allow the top tray to slide back and reveal the bottom layer, you need to modify the back of your original drawer.

1. Draw a level line at the 1-3/4" mark on the back panel of the large drawer.

2. Using a jigsaw, carefully cut along the line. This creates the "pass-through" for the smaller drawer to slide out of the way.

Ryobi Jig Saw

Step 6: Final Installation

The final step was installing the drawer slides along the top edge of the large kitchen drawer. 

Once those were level, I slid the smaller tray into the larger one and—WHOA! Just look at all that extra storage space!

The Finished Result: Double the Functionality

I decided to store my main silverware in the bottom layer since those pieces are heavier and used more frequently. The lighter serving pieces and specialty gadgets went into the top sliding tray.

It fits perfectly inside the kitchen island, and the sliding action is incredibly satisfying. I'm officially in love with my first double-layer drawer!

This is how it now looks inside the kitchen island with the smaller drawer all the way back.

And out! :)

My final recommendation for you? Measure twice, cut once. It makes all the difference in getting that "perfect fit" feeling. 

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have three more drawers to go tackle!

For more Kitchen DIY ideas, check these out:

The Other Drawers + Organization Tips!

Kitchen Island Makeover

DIY - Tray Divider

*Ryobi Tools were given to me to try out, 

I love them so much so that they are the tools I use for my every day projects. 

All stated opinions are my own.*

Affiliate links were added for your convenience.

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